Ground clearance plays a vital role in supporting both driving comfort and vehicle performance. Every car has a different ground clearance, especially when comparing SUVs, sedans, and crossovers. Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of a car and the road surface.
The height of a vehicle’s ground clearance affects how smoothly it passes through various road conditions—such as uneven surfaces, bumps, and puddles. Car owners can also adjust their vehicle’s ground clearance depending on their needs, either by raising or lowering it.
Through this article, let’s understand the functions of ground clearance and how to adjust its height properly.
Ground clearance refers to the distance between the lowest point of a car’s components and the ground surface. This space under the car is often referred to as the undercarriage.
Many people assume that ground clearance is determined by the tire size. However, the measurement actually refers to the lowest component of the vehicle. This lowest point is not the body or footstep, but rather parts like the exhaust system, especially the center muffler.
SUVs generally have higher ground clearance. This higher clearance allows the car to pass through damaged or bumpy roads, speed bumps, and puddles more easily.
Meanwhile, sedans usually have lower ground clearance, which provides better stability and aerodynamics at high speeds on smooth roads.
High ground clearance is typically above 200 mm, making it suitable for rough terrain or uneven roads. Low ground clearance, around 170–180 mm, is more ideal for city cars or driving on flat roads.
Ground clearance is not just about the undercarriage—it has several important functions for both the car and driving conditions. That’s why automakers design vehicles with specific ground clearance measurements.
Here are some key functions of ground clearance that car owners should know:
Ground clearance allows vehicles to drive more smoothly over uneven surfaces. A car with higher ground clearance can pass through bumps or rough roads with ease.
On the other hand, cars with low ground clearance often struggle when passing through bumps, speed bumps, or puddles. Since the distance between the car body and the ground is very low, the undercarriage is more vulnerable to scraping or damage.
Another function of ground clearance is to help prevent water from entering the engine when driving through puddles or floods. Cars with low ground clearance are at risk of water seeping into the engine, which can cause severe damage to components such as the combustion system and electrical system.
In contrast, cars with high ground clearance are safer from the risk of water entering the engine. Such vehicles are more reliable when used on wet or flooded roads since their undercarriage is positioned higher above the ground.
Ground clearance also influences the performance of a car’s suspension system. The suspension plays a key role in absorbing vibrations when driving over uneven surfaces. If ground clearance is too low, the suspension has to work extra hard to absorb shocks.
Meanwhile, cars with higher ground clearance can absorb vibrations more smoothly. When passing over uneven roads, they can move up and down gently while maintaining stability.
Ground clearance also contributes to a car’s stability at high speeds. Vehicles with low ground clearance tend to be more easily affected by wind or uneven road surfaces, which reduces comfort and makes it harder for drivers to maintain control.
On the other hand, if ground clearance is too high, the car can become unstable in strong winds, especially on open roads at high speeds. Therefore, a balanced ground clearance is essential for both stability and comfort.
Ground clearance that is too high or too low is not ideal for performance. Moreover, every driver has their own preferred ground clearance depending on driving needs.
Although ground clearance is factory-set, car owners can still adjust it. You can raise or lower it depending on your requirements.
You can increase ground clearance by replacing the tires with larger ones, installing a lift kit, or upgrading the suspension. Larger tires will immediately raise the car’s height from the ground. A body lift kit can also be used to raise the body from the frame without altering the suspension system.
To lower ground clearance, you can use a lowering kit or coilovers. You may also replace the springs and shock absorbers, or manually adjust suspension height if possible.
A lowering kit includes shorter and stiffer coil springs, commonly used in sedans or hatchbacks for a sportier look and performance. Coilovers combine shock absorbers and springs into a single adjustable unit, allowing for precise height customization.
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) typically have higher ground clearance compared to sedans or crossovers. SUVs are designed with greater clearance for off-road capabilities across various terrains.
So, what about the ground clearance of Chery SUVs? Each Chery SUV model may have different specifications. Additionally, the undercarriage height may vary slightly depending on whether the vehicle is loaded or empty.
The Chery J6 has a ground clearance of 170 mm when carrying a load and 223 mm when empty. The OMODA E5 has a ground clearance of 190 mm. The Chery Tiggo 8 offers 200–207 mm, the Tiggo 5x 1.5 Turbo 190 mm, and so on.
The ideal ground clearance depends on the type of vehicle and the road conditions it frequently encounters. For passenger cars like sedans, a ground clearance of around 170–180 mm is sufficient. Meanwhile, for SUVs or crossovers that often face rough terrain, the ideal ground clearance is typically between 200–220 mm.
In conclusion, ground clearance plays an essential role in ensuring both comfort and driving performance. It allows vehicles to pass over uneven roads, avoid water intrusion, and maintain stability.
Now that you understand its importance, it’s time to choose a car with the right ground clearance for your needs. Explore specifications and discover various models at chery.co.id to find your ideal vehicle.
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